We ask our members share a few thoughts: to introduce themselves to fellow members, and those who are interested in our community.
In this instalment, we interview Karine-Kayitesi Ponting of Karine Kayitesi Coaching and My Acupuncture Practice.
Tell us about your business:
Karine Kayitesi Coaching helps Internationals feel at home, find health, happiness, meaning and purpose while undergoing challenging life transitions. I offer coaching based on Ancient Wisdom and Health principles applied to Modern life. My qualification as a Chinese Medicine practitioner, my knowledge of the Book of Change (Yi-jing) and my committed practice of mindfulness provide my clients and patients with deep insights and practical life tools to use and call their own.
What 5 words would you choose to describe your business?
Holistic – People-oriented – Transformative – International – Meaningful
What are your most popular products or services?
The Life Coaching packages. They are life coaching sessions aiming at resolving a particular life issue or question, I use ancient wisdom to facilitate your insights and to suggest easy hands-on life tools applicable to your situation.
The Facial Rejuvenation Programme (including acupuncture, herbs, massage, diet). It is a set of 12 sessions which will make your face look younger, healthier and luminous. It is a holistic set of treatments which will not only brighten up your face and make you look younger but which will also boost your whole body and general health.
What do you like best about owning a business?
That as I evolve, my business evolves with me
The freedom that comes with being my own boss
What or who inspired you to start your business?
At one point in my life I had to face health challenges which could not be improved by western medicine. So I started exploring alternative options. It lead me to Chinese Medicine, which resonated so much with my vision of Health and Life that I decided I wanted to change career and become a Chinese Medicine practitioner.
What makes your products/services special?
My approach is based on principles and practices which are old (ancient wisdom) yet modern in so many ways.
My approach is ‘customised’. Human beings are all the same yet so different. Each advice or treatment is given based on a thorough examination of each individual.
Who is your role model or mentor?
The Yijing, or Book of Change, it is not a person, but the fruit of a collaboration of several persons, wise men who, 3000 years ago, gathered all their knowledge into that book which gave birth to Taoism, Confucianism, Chinese Medicine, etc. It transcends time and is so relevant today. It has been my greatest source of inspiration and my ‘personal coach’ for the last 20 years.
Thich Nhat Hanh, a zen Buddhist monk (nominated for Peace Nobel Prize), who teaches and practices Mindfulness. I have had the opportunity to train with him and I am incorporating the practice of mindfulness to my life and to my work.
Louise Hay, a self love advocate, author of “You can Heal your Life”
What is your biggest fear?
To have to go back to the corporate world!
What motivates you on a daily basis?
My child’s smile 🙂
To watch people grow and transform
What is the biggest challenge you have faced?
My career shift : starting from scratch, studying while working full time in a demanding job.
Health issues leading me to rethink my work/life balance.
What tip would you give women who are starting a business?
Surround yourself with positive supportive people who believe in you and in the realisation of your project.
Don’t hesitate to get professional help from a life coach to ensure you keep your mindset on track. ‘Being’ comes before ‘Doing’. Building and maintaining a positive mindset sets you on the right track to making the right decisions and taking the right actions in your business.
What is your favourite business book?
The Right-Brain Business Plan by Jennifer Lee
What are your top tips for networking?
Be yourself, be open to whom you meet and what comes out
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
By working part time.
By having set moments to answer the phone and handle emails and text messages.
By regularly reviewing my to do list and removing anything that is not a priority so as to create more space.
What is your motto or theme song?
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. Lao Zi, Chapter 64 of the Tao Te Ching.
How do you relax?
I walk in nature (preferably with my dog). I practice Meditation, Qigong, Mindfulness. I have a massage. I listen to music, sing, dance. I play with colours and style (interior decoration, clothing).
What place inspires you and why?
Any place inspires me as long as I have a good feeling about it 🙂
People may be surprised to know…
that as a coach, I don’t have everything figured out for my own life and work, life is a constant process of change and growth and I also have to learn, and most importantly, continuously practice what I preach 🙂 …
What do you care most about, as a business owner?
To deliver a quality service to empower people to take the leap to living the life they are called to live
What are your future plans?
To offer ‘The Expat Rescue Remedy’, a step by step online coaching programme helping Expats find health, happiness, meaning and purpose (soon to be finalised and available…)
Thank you, Karine-Kayitesi Ponting!
For more information about Karine-Kayitesi Ponting and Karine Kayitesi Coaching and My Acupuncture Practice, please visit http://karinekayitesi.com, http://www.my-acupuncture.com